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Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
The Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike features a lightweight aero profiled alloy frame offering genuine road performance and speed.
Average Customer Rating:
(37 Reviews) 37
Rating Snapshot (37 reviews)
5 stars
29
4 stars
8
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
37 of 37(100%)customers would recommend this product to a friend
Customer Reviews for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Review 1 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Great first road bike,
May 09, 2013
By Buzzwhiteears
from Cardiff
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"First road bike. Really happy with the quality of product"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 45 - 54
Gender: Male
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Great bike for a great price.,
May 07, 2013
By TheTimC
from Belfast
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"Not knowing much about road bikes (coming from a mountain biking background) I asked one of my road cycling buddies to come along and help me choose my bike. He said you got much more bike for the money with this one than with any of the others. I have ridden it the 12 miles to work a couple of times now and I love it. The only thing I decided to do was change the seat as I don;t have much "natural padding" in that area."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 25 - 34
How many bikes: 2
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
a contender for any road race,
April 30, 2013
By milo1965
from pr83eq
Quality
3
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Pros: value, ride feel
Cons: muguard clearance, wide bars
"Brought this to replace an old tourer that i use as a fast commuter. Excellent value for a quality bike with shimano sora / fsa groupset. Would recommend this to anyone as a first bike or to use as a commuter. I upgraded the tyres to 25c but this meant not enough clearance for mudguards. Also fitted spd pedals and a pannier rack so this is a versatile bike. Bars slightly wider than wanted but still a good feel."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Which Store did you visit? ORMSKIRK.
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
great value,
April 27, 2013
By Michael19
from Edinburgh
Quality
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
"I purchased this bike as my first road bike and its been great. Previously having had a mountain bike the difference in speed and effort was amazing. At the price I paid I thought the product was of a very good quality, very happy!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 25 - 34
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - No Children
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
Other hobbies: Cycling
How many bikes: 1
Which Store did you visit? EDINBURGH - STRAITON
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Sheffield kilner way staff top marks,
April 18, 2013
By Shaunb
from Sheffield
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"This was my first road bike and I carnt fault it .
But found the bike staff at kilner way fantastic help as I really didn't no what to look for . They took the time to talk me through gearing ,braking and size and how and when to up grade."
But found the bike staff at kilner way fantastic help as I really didn't no what to look for . They took the time to talk me through gearing ,braking and size and how and when to up grade."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 35 - 44
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Value for Money - I like things to be as cheap as possible
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - With Children
Type of Cyclist: Just for fun
Other hobbies: Running / Athletics
How many bikes: 3
Which Store did you visit? SHEFFIELD (KILNER WAY)
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Great starter bike,
April 11, 2013
By ThenextWiggo
from Bradford
Quality
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: looks, rides well
Cons: gearing, pedals
"I picked up my bike on Easter Monday thru the bike to work scheme...I have done over 100 miles in little over a week
The bike went back twice due to problems with the gearing...now eventually sorted
Bike looks good,rides well
Things that let it down...pedals...rubbish, gearing..have to free wheel down hill most of the time"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Which Store did you visit? BRADFORD
+1point
3out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Fantastic Offer!,
April 11, 2013
By Amir8
from Maidenhead
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: gears
"I am an ameture cyclist trying to lose my belly! My normal bike is mountain bike with suspension, so this bike is a bit more hard to the road (takes getting used to).
But I Love this bike, is super fast, the gears are slick, and bike looks good too!
I bought while in offer, 1/3 off, so for me was better than these expensive bikes from other shops.
The service from Matt at Maidenhead Store was FANTASTIC!! he helped me choose, and me confident that i was making the right choice.... travel to Maidenhead Store to buy!! Totally Worth the Trip!!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 35 - 44
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - With Children
Type of Cyclist: Just for fun
Other hobbies: Camping
How many bikes: 2
Which Store did you visit? MAIDENHEAD
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Woow!,
April 10, 2013
By danishbiker
from London
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"Im soo happy about my new bicycle, its must faster than my hybridbike from last summer!
However it was a bit of a mess to buy it, The Halford store in Kilburn didn't build the bicycle as promised and I had to come back three times before they have made it.
If you are passion, and don't mind taking time off work a few days, then its the right bike for you, its amazing!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 25 - 34
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Single - With No Children
Type of Cyclist: Serious Cyclist
Other hobbies: Running / Athletics
How many bikes: 3
Which Store did you visit? KILBURN.
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
New bike,
April 04, 2013
By Terry19
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: service
"I just purchased my first road bike at halfords i got a great deal the staff were really helpfull building the bike and makeing sure i was happy with everything thanks for all your help"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 35 - 44
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
How many bikes: 1
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Carrera virtuoso,
March 31, 2013
By Maz2013
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"Purchased this bike after having a mountain bike for the past 13 years, I was amazed how easier and faster this bike was, hills are much easier! I was worries about getting used to the seating but shouldn't have been as its actually really comfortable. I was also unsure about the pedals with toe straps but again these are quite easy to get used to, great buy!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 35 - 44
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Type of Cyclist: Just for fun
How many bikes: 2
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Highly recommended,
March 27, 2013
By Pashata
from London
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"Simply beautiful,very fast,good value for money.Highly recommended."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Which Store did you visit? CHISWICK
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
carrea virtuoso review,
March 24, 2013
By TH84
from London
Quality
2
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Pros: cheap
Cons: weight, pedals
"I purchased this as a compariably cheap alternative to the seemingly inordinate prices that you can now spend on a bike these days. It has delievered to my requirements (6 mile daily work commute) and therefore i consider it good value, however ranks low on quality as spending an extra 30% would increase the standard significantly."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 25 - 34
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Value for Money - I like things to be as cheap as possible
Family: I'm Single - With No Children
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
How many bikes: 1
Which Store did you visit? BALHAM
-6points
0out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Great bike,
March 11, 2013
By Bec13
from Cambridge, UK
Quality
4
out of
5
Value
4
out of
5
Performance
3
out of
5
Pros: value, speed
Cons: pedals, tyres
"I purchased this bike around 4 months ago as my first road bike, and have since done around 500 miles on it.
I use the bike every day for commuting and will be using it for longer rides at the weekend when the weather picks up.
Very good for the price so perfect for getting into cycling.
The only problem that I have found with the bike is the amount of punctures I seem to now be getting, but hopefully buying some better quality tyres will solve this. I also replaced the pedals within 2 months, but this is more down to personal preference.
Overall a very good quality bike that I think would be hard to match."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: Under 25
Gender: Female
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Single - With No Children
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
How many bikes: 1
Which Store did you visit? CAMBRIDGE
+4points
4out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Bargain,
February 17, 2013
By Simon77
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"Got the bike as part of the recent online deal. As my first road bike i didn't want to spend too much but it ended up as a perfect balance at such a discount."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Top Bike, Top Value,
February 04, 2013
By tomb85
from Devon
Quality
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
"This is my first foray into the road riding world and the first thing that struck me before I bought this bike was the wealth of opinions and options available.
So in the essence of keeping things simple for fellow beginners:-
Carrera essentially seems to be an own brand by Halfords aimed at the lower end of the price spectrum with their premium "boardman" range aimed at the slightly higher end. Much like the supermarkets do with food, and keeping with that analogy most won't be able to tell / notice the difference with a lot of the stuff.
I bought the bike using the cycle to work scheme and did a lot of research and this was the best I could do with a modest budget. Reading reviews on the bike I instantly decided to upgrade the pedals without even trying the factory fitted ones and judging by the look of them this was a wise choice. I fitted SPD s which I get on very well with.
I have done around a hundred miles so far and am loving the experience so far. My speed is up, hills are easier, gears are smooth. In essence, cycling has become fun again rather than the chore it was becoming on a 10 yr old MTB.
It is true that any entry level road bike would have had the same effect but I am more than happy with my Carrera Virtuoso. I am planning to do the full 13 mile commute in the summer compared to the 4 mile journey plus train ride at the moment. I have no doubts the bike will be more than up to the task.
The frame seems solid enough even on potholed local roads, the brakes and gears are responsive. Although the brake levers don't feel the sturdiest and some gear changes aren't as smooth as you might want these are small issues and I think the gears can be easily tweaked. The ratios are ideal for my standard and I can always find the right gear which up and down Devon hills is saying something. We will see if it is adequate as I develop a bit more power and fitness on the longer rides.
Riding position is comfortable after some trials and the saddle and handlebars whilst harder than I'm used to are up to the job. I am a runner at heart but am already contemplating substituting a long cycle for a long run. I am loving the drop handlebars, the difference is not too severe and at speed I find the drops infinitely more comfortable
Riding position is comfortable after some trials and the saddle and handlebars whilst harder than I'm used to are up to the job. I am a runner at heart but am already contemplating substituting a long cycle for a long run. I am loving the drop handlebars, the difference is not too severe and at speed I find the drops infinitely more comfortable
Basically if you want a solid entry level bike to get from a to b quicker than before, this is absolutely ideal. Maybe if you want to race / go 100 miles at a time you will want something a bit of a higher spec. But then you already know that."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 25 - 34
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - With Children
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
Other hobbies: Running / Athletics
How many bikes: 2
+20points
22out of 24found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Budding Road cyclist and what could've i have asked for!,
January 25, 2013
By DanTeamSkyB
from Reading
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: sora rear mech, road race frame geometry, the overall performance, fsa tempo chainset
Cons: pedals
"This bike is a sure winner in value &Performance stakes as i had it bought for my Christmas present; so basically 5 weeks ago and have covered about 550 miles and have had no problems with the bikes fuctionality and key parts.
The Shifters shift well, the Sora rear mech helps with hills and difficult ground ensuring when you flick each shifter there is a smooth gear change.
There had been such controversy with Halfords in the past with the own brand bikes but for sure this is a little winner and fits the bill perfectly.
The only things i have changed are the pedals to clipless SPDs and the tyres to Vittoria Rubinos as the originals weren't to good.
The Shifters shift well, the Sora rear mech helps with hills and difficult ground ensuring when you flick each shifter there is a smooth gear change.
There had been such controversy with Halfords in the past with the own brand bikes but for sure this is a little winner and fits the bill perfectly.
The only things i have changed are the pedals to clipless SPDs and the tyres to Vittoria Rubinos as the originals weren't to good.
If you want a good experience of Cycling go with this bike"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: Under 25
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Type of Cyclist: Serious Cyclist
Other hobbies: Camping
How many bikes: 2
+10points
10out of 10found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Don't be deceived by expensive imitations!,
January 09, 2013
By FootieDad
from Stone, Staffordshire
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
4
out of
5
Pros: style / aesthetics, gears, quality / value
Cons: brakes could be better, my wife won't let me have another!
"Bought this as a winter hack as I didn't want to get my Boardman dirty and full of grit/salt/whatever other unpleasantness the winter roads can throw at it - if you don't understand this stop cycling :-).
As such I have to say it has far and away surpassed both my requirements and expectations! No, it doesn't shift quite as smoothly as the Boardman, and yes, the steel fork transmits a tiny bit more of the road surface through your arms, but this so called budget bike is a real winner because the difference is miniscule and I'm now worried that I might not get value out of it's more expensive brother.
As such I have to say it has far and away surpassed both my requirements and expectations! No, it doesn't shift quite as smoothly as the Boardman, and yes, the steel fork transmits a tiny bit more of the road surface through your arms, but this so called budget bike is a real winner because the difference is miniscule and I'm now worried that I might not get value out of it's more expensive brother.
All in all there is much to praise and little to criticise about this steed, frame is rigid and really let's you put he power down - you don't feel anything is getting lost between your feet and the back wheel. I am different to most reviewers, I actually quite like the tyres (although they can make you think you have a buckle), the wheels are really solid, brakes and gears are good, saddle is pretty comfortable, although I appreciate it may not suit everyone.
I am 5' 11" with an inside leg of 31" and the medium is an absolutely perfect fit for me with the saddle just over halfway up, so a safe minimum of 5cm additional post available and probably close to 10cm if required.
Overall, the whole package is reminiscent of a Pinarello - or maybe that's just my imagination!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 35 - 44
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - With Children
Type of Cyclist: Serious Cyclist
Other hobbies: Camping
How many bikes: 3
+14points
20out of 26found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
9 months on,
December 19, 2012
By dadwigagain
from eastleigh
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: weight and feel., saddle
Cons: tyres put black ones one!, pedals fit better!
"I've now done nearly 1000 miles on my Vituoso and it is still going strong. I changed the pedals at purchase to SPDs so no issues with other reviewers comments about these. I had to have both tyres replaced as the webbing went in short time, no quibbles from Halfords Eastleigh. White stripey tyres a nonsense and made me giddy they looked so warped. One problem Halfords sorted was a complete failure of the rear bearings after about 50 miles and once I had readjusted the cones properly there have been no problems. Gears and brakes function well and remain smooth after initial teething problems."
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 55 - 64
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - No Children
Type of Cyclist: Serious Cyclist
How many bikes: 3
+13points
13out of 13found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
Real value for your money!!!!,
December 08, 2012
By PB46
from Oxfordshire, UK
Quality
5
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: the customer service
"After owning and using my heavy "mountain bike" to go to and from work every day for some years, having never taken the bike off road, the bike suffering a catastrophic failure and realising it was speed I wanted I purchased the Carrera Virtuoso. It looks sleek, is half the weight of my old bike and she goes like the wind!
If you are looking for a road bike of good value for you money, then you cannot go far wrong with the Virtuoso!"
If you are looking for a road bike of good value for you money, then you cannot go far wrong with the Virtuoso!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: 45 - 54
Gender: Male
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
Family: I'm Living with Partner/Spouse - No Children
Type of Cyclist: Commuting
Other hobbies: Running / Athletics
How many bikes: 1
+13points
14out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike 2011/2012 - Large 54cm
Overall Rating
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY,
December 07, 2012
By Sarah93
from Birmingham
Quality
4
out of
5
Value
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Pros: smooth ride, aesthetically pleasing, great value for money
Cons: cheap pedals, tyres (prone to punctures)
"I am new to road cycling and bought this as my first proper road bike... I absolutely love it and would thoroughly recommend it to those who are after an inexpensive but high quality set of wheels!"
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes
Age Group: Under 25
Gender: Female
Attitude to Shopping: Quality Seeker - I'd rather spend a little extra on something if I know its going to last
How many bikes: 3
+15points
15out of 15found this review helpful.
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